Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD - The Senate today conducted a budget hearing outlining what kind of reductions would be necessary to balance the state budget after the income tax increase expires at the end of this year.

The outlook is grim. After hearing testimony from each state agency about what a 17 to 20 percent reduction in their budgets would mean, State Senator Melinda Bush was gravely concerned by the lack of options.

“The idea that we must balance our state budget on the backs of those most in need is immoral and unconscionable,” Bush said. “If these cuts become reality, we will have failed those who need us most.”

SPRINGFIELD - In her ongoing quest to promote good government, State Senator Melinda Bush is co-sponsoring a proposal that enables county boards to adopt a code of conduct ordinance for county appointees.

In Lake County there are 57 different appointed boards and commissions. They include the Metra Board, Pace Board, fire protection districts, zoning boards, mosquito abatement districts, drainage districts, merit commissions and more.

“We need to make both state and local government more accountable,” Bush said. “I work hard to ensure that happens in Springfield, and I am equally committed to ensuring it happens in our community.”

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois faces a critical shortage of services for survivors of human trafficking. In fact, Illinois only has 12 beds for women and girls who have been exploited.

State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is co-sponsoring a proposal that would help fund specialized services for victims of this horrific crime.

The proposal calls for the creation of a fund managed by the Department of Human Services, from which grants would be made for the creation and support of services for prostituted and trafficked women and children.

Round Lake – With the Affordable Care Act registration deadline approaching, the Round Lake Area School District Area 116 and Get Covered Illinois will be partnering to provide an enrollment event in Round Lake tomorrow, March 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at John T. Magee Middle School (500 N. Cedar Lake Rd., Round Lake, IL.).

The enrollment event will provide attendees with on-site information about the health insurance marketplace and the various coverage options. Attendees will also be able to enroll in the health insurance plan that best meets their needs.

“We are trying to get the word out that the deadline to enroll is March 31st,” said Senator Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat. “I am thrilled that the school district and Get Covered Illinois are providing opportunities to enroll in our community.”